A new park coming soon

Though Mendocino village is small in stature, there are several landmarks that give it beauty and a unique character, such as the daily trodden greenspace with towering eucalyptus on the corner of Lansing and Main. Used by locals and visitors alike as a pleasant passage between the two thoroughfares, this double lot has been empty for the better part of a decade. However, it remained zoned for commercial usage.

"The Rotary Club of Mendocino learned that some community members were distressed that the open space represented by the two lots could be developed," stated Richard Brandes, president of Mendocino Rotary.

This prompted Brandes and the club to look into protecting the properties.

"At first it appeared that development was unlikely since it was traditional open space and [we] have a very active Historical Review Board. It was learned that the lots are commercially zoned and since a number of structures have previously been located at the site, the lots could indeed be developed.

"Then we learned that two developer bids were currently on the table with the owner, Lantzman Investments. It was time to get involved and purchase the property, or see it go into development."

Rotary asked Mendocino Land Trust for help in protecting this greenspace from development.

According to Brandes, "Our vision is to see the property remain as greenspace available to visitors and the community. Rotary does not intend to become the owner of the property rather the club will raise funds to purchase the property and then see it transferred to a local, regional or state entity, such as a land trust. We like the idea of a "Rotary Park' and perhaps a small monument that may help with fundraising. We have a lot of work to do to create a specific vision for the property and, of course, raise the funds to make it happen."

Mendocino Land Trust agreed to assist in protecting 44961 Main St. from development. Working together, Rotary and the Land Trust have signed purchase documents that provide at least one year to raise the funds necessary to make "Rotary Park" a reality.

This is a fine example of what we as business persons and local activists can do when we help each other. In the words of Henry Ford, "Coming together is beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success."

Plans on fundraising to bring "Rotary Park" into fruition are being considered; for more information on this project, please contact Richard Brandes, president of Mendocino Rotary at: rbrandes@magnoliahg.com.

And for more information on the Mendocino Land Trust and its mission to conserve, restore and steward land, please visit the website www.mendocinolandtrust.org, call 962-0470, or email admin@mendocinolandtrust.org.